POTD: Out of The Way Colt Camp Perry – The S&W Model 1891
Sam.S 11.15.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Model 1891 single shot pistol started as an experiment at Smith & Wesson. By removing the cylinder and barrel from a .38 caliber single action revolver, an ingenious employee created a break-open single shot using the revolver’s frame and lockwork. Initially offered in .38 and .32, target shooters pushed for a .22 rimfire version with extended barrel. Introduced in 1893, the Model 1891 became a popular .22 target pistol, especially when paired with a standard revolver barrel and grip for dual use. Over 3000 of these convertible combinations were made until 1906. Then the single shot was produced on its own until 1909’s streamlined Model of 1909, made until 1915.
“New Mode No. 3 frame (all produced pre-1899). Post-1893 Liege proofed single barrel conversion. A hole for a lanyard between “1” and “2” on the butt has removed part of the serial number. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection.”
Lot 6314: Smith & Wesson Single Shot Pistol. (n.d.-bh). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1034/6314/smith-and-wesson-single-shot-pistol.
